Jocko Rivers. Interim Management Statement

Transcription

1 Jocko Rivers Interim Management Statement 2006

2 APPROVAL STATEMENT I am pleased to approve this Interim Management Statement for Jocko Rivers Provincial Park. Ontario s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR 1999) identified this waterway class park which was later regulated in June of 2003 (O. Reg. 210/03) under the Provincial Parks Act. This Interim Management Statement provides direction for the protection and management of Jocko Rivers Provincial Park. This document will govern all activities occurring within the park and focus on custodial management required to protect park values and to ensure public safety Paul Bewick Zone Manager Northeast Zone Ontario Parks May 26, 2006 Date

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES MANAGEMENT CONTEXT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PARK FEATURES AND VALUES GEOLOGICAL FEATURES BIOLOGICAL FEATURES CULTURAL SETTING RECREATION ABORIGINAL RIGHTS STEWARDSHIP POLICIES TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS VEGETATION... 5 Harvesting... 5 Non-Native Plants... 5 Insects and Disease... 5 Fire WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT... 6 Hunting... 6 Bear Management Areas... 6 Trapping INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES ACCESS AND CROSSINGS... 6 Access... 9 Roads... 9 Railways... 9 Utility Corridors... 9 Recreational Trails ADJACENT LAND MANAGEMENT Forestry Provincial Parks Forest Reserves Enhanced Management Areas Adjacent Tourism Developments General Use Area Conservation Reserves LAND DISPOSITION Land Use Permits, Licenses of Occupation, and Unauthorized Occupations Patent Land...11 Waste Disposal Site Boat Caches AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS WATER MANAGEMENT FISHERIES MANAGEMENT Sport Fishing Commercial Fishing Commercial Baitfish Harvesting Fish Stocking OPERATIONS POLICIES RECREATION MANAGEMENT MOTORIZED RECREATION Motorboats Snowmobiles All Terrain Vehicles... 14

4 Aircrafts NON-MOTORIZED RECREATION Camping Hiking Canoeing/Kayaking EMERGING RECREATION USES DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL TOURISM CULTURAL RESOURCES HERITAGE EDUCATION RESEARCH REFERENCES APPENDIX A: BACKGROUND INFORMATION LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Regional Setting... 2 Figure 2: Park Boundary... 3 Figure 3: Bear Management Areas... 7 Figure 4: Trap Line Areas... 8 Figure 5: Commercial Baitfish Blocks... 13

5 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is located in the townships of Eddy, French, Jocko, Clarkson, Lockhart, McAuslan, Garrow, Stewart, Osborne and LaSalle. The park lies northeast of North Bay and northwest of Mattawa (Figure 1). The park includes four components: the Jocko and Little Jocko rivers, three Natural Heritage Areas and a waterway connection linking with Blue Lake End Moraine Conservation Reserve. The park was identified through Ontario s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR 1999) as a waterway class park. Jocko Rivers Provincial Park protects 11,299 hectares of Crown land and is regulated under the Provincial Parks Act (1990). Waterway parks are based on outstanding recreational water routes and provide high quality recreational and education experiences (OMNR 1992). 1.1 Objectives Jocko Rivers Provincial Park will be managed based upon Ontario Parks four objectives: Protection: To protect provincially significant elements of the natural and cultural landscapes of Ontario. Recreation: To provide provincial park outdoor recreation opportunities ranging from high-intensity day-use to low-intensity wilderness experiences. Heritage Appreciation: To provide opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the outdoor natural and cultural heritage of Ontario. Tourism: To provide Ontario s residents and out-of-province visitors with opportunities to discover and experience the distinctive regions of the Province. 2.0 MANAGEMENT CONTEXT This Interim Management Statement (IMS) provides direction for custodial management of park resources until such time as the park management plan is approved with full public consultation. The direction for resource stewardship, permitted uses, development and operations will be reviewed during future management planning. At that time, any significant decisions regarding resources stewardship, operations, development and permitted uses will be made. Park management will follow direction from: Provincial Parks Act (OMNR 1990); Ontario s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy and related policy clarification documents (OMNR 2000); Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies (OMNR 1992); and the Ontario Crown Land Use Policy Atlas (OMNR 2004a) Custodial management will protect park values and ensure public health and safety. Ontario Parks will ensure that policy and Environmental Assessment Act (1990) requirements are implemented. 2.1 Environmental Assessment As part of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Ontario Parks is a public sector agency that is subject to the Environmental Assessment Act. Park management will be carried out in accordance with legislation, policies and guidelines required under the MNR Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (OMNR 2005a). 3.0 PARK FEATURES AND VALUES Jocko Rivers Provincial Park protects provincially significant biological features, regionally significant bedrock and locally significant surficial geological, as well as a range of recreational features. 3.1 Geological Features The bedrock of Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is within the Tomiko Terrane of the Central

6 2 Figure 1: Regional Setting

7 3 Figure 2: Park Boundary

8 4 Gneiss Belt, in the northwest part of the Ontario Grenville Province. The Mesoproterozoic Tomiko Terrane consists mainly of metamorphosed quartzites and granitic plutons. Most of the park contains clastic siliceous metasediments in the form of arkosic quartz-feldspar gneisses, biotite and hornblende-rich quartz-feldspar gneisses and minor muscovite-quartzfeldspar gneisses. There is gneissic quartz monzonite of the Late Precambrian granitic suite also present within the park. The representation of clastic siliceous metasedimentary gneisses of the Tomiko Terrane is of regional significance (Frey and Duba 2002). The Quaternary geology of the park is Late Wisconsinan in age. The small areas of bedrock uplands along the shorelines have a discontinuous till cover of thin sandy-silty ground moraine (Frey and Duba 2002). 3.2 Biological Features The park is located in the north portion of Ecodistrict 5E-6. Portions of three Natural Heritage Areas are included within the park. The Osborne Township Patterned Peatland is unique in that deep organics have accumulated over the extensive sandy glaciofluvial outwash plain of the area. In a concentrated central area of the site, windmodified aeolian sand dune ridges protrude from the peat deposits. These dune ridges are dominated by black spruce and jack pine. An extensive peat plain, supporting open bog vegetation, is present in the northern section. It is bounded by black spruce swamp forests and upland forests on rock knob outcrops. The southern area is also a peat plain dominated by black spruce, eastern white cedar, tamarack and sphagnum swamp forest (ESP 1996). The Little Jocko River Wetland is located in Jocko and French townships. The park boundary in the Smoky and Twin lakes area captures a portion of this wetland. This area includes aeolian dunes, wetlands and upland forests. The dominant representative vegetation is mature black spruce-tamarackcedar and low shrub conifer swamp forest, which occur back from the river s edge. Closer to the river, low shrub peatland and tall shrub-thicket swamp communities are present. The river itself is dominated by floating, emergent and submergent aquatics. A band of open canopy deciduous forest, dominated by white birch, extends along the western edge of the site on an upland ridge/dune-like formation (ESP 1996). The Banana Lake White Birch Natural Heritage Area lies within the park in Garrow Township. This area is dominated by upland forests of white birch, trembling aspen, large-toothed aspen and red oak. The forests are early successional, replacing what were once extensive stands of white and Jack pine, sugar maple and yellow birch. Wetlands are interspersed throughout the site with mainly open water marshes and small fens. The floodplain wetland along the meandering Jocko River is an extensive alder thicket swamp flanked by black spruce, eastern white cedar and white birch swamp. Red pine occurs at the northern end of Banana Lake (ESP 1996). The park is diverse in its biological representation. A wide variety of upland, lowland and wetland ecosites are represented. The park provides an ecological connection between the Nipissing Crown Game Preserve, three conservation reserves, several Enhanced Management Areas, and the Ottawa River (Morris 2001). 3.3 Cultural Setting No investigation of the park s cultural heritage has been completed at this time. Future planning for cultural heritage will be done within the context of a provincial framework, A Topical Organization of Ontario History (OMNR 1974). Planning will also involve updates and discussions with other agencies, First Nations and interest groups to identify cultural heritage values and features, and their significance, within the park. This information may be used to develop management guidelines to conserve and protect representative archaeological or historical values and features, or to provide direction for further research.

9 5 3.4 Recreation The significant natural heritage areas within this park could support landscape viewing and exploring activity (Kershaw 2002). General interpretation activity could also be supported within these areas. Canoeing and fishing occur in park waters. Boating occurs on Jocko Lake and continues downstream depending on water levels. Canoe travel is possible along both of the rivers in this park. There are general descriptions for canoe routes following the Jocko River from Jocko Lake to the Ottawa River and the Little Jocko River from east of Mitchell Lake to the Jocko River. Fishing for trout in the cold waters of these rivers is also a popular activity (Kershaw 2002). An authorized Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail travels through the park in Lockhart and Clarkson townships. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel also occurs along the hydro line corridor and provides access to land use permits (LUPs) within the park and on adjacent land). Existing campsites within the park are typically associated with canoe travel. A Ministry of Transportation (MTO) roadside picnic area is located at Highway 63 at the Little Jocko River in Jocko Township. This picnic area lies within the highway corridor and is not within the park boundary. 4.0 ABORIGINAL RIGHTS Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is located within the Robinson-Huron Treaty area (1850) and is northeast of the Nipissing Indian Reserve. First Nations have expressed interest in and have shared knowledge of the park and surrounding area. Aboriginal communities have used the area for hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering and travel. These uses may continue, subject to public safety, conservation and other considerations. Any communications and cooperation between Aboriginal communities and MNR for planning and operations purposes will be done without prejudice to any future discussions or negotiations between the government of Ontario and Aboriginal communities. 5.0 STEWARDSHIP POLICIES 5.1 Terrestrial Ecosystems The removal, damage or defacing of Crown property, natural objects, relics and artifacts is not permitted (Provincial Parks Act) Vegetation Harvesting Commercial forest harvesting and renewal activities are not permitted within the park (OMNR 2004a). The commercial harvesting of non-timber forest products (e.g. wild rice, Canada yew) is not permitted within the park. There are no fuelwood cutting permits currently issued in the park. No new permits will be issued (OMNR 2000). Non-Native Plants Non-native plant species will not be deliberately introduced into the park. Where non-native plant species are already established, and threaten park values, a strategy may be developed to control the species (OMNR 1992). Insects and Disease Insects and diseases may be managed where the park s aesthetic, cultural or natural values are threatened (OMNR 1992). Control measures will follow guidelines established by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and MNR. Biological controls, in preference to chemicals, will be used whenever possible (OMNR 1992). Fire Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is located within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest fire management zone. In accordance with existing provincial park policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will be carried out in Jocko Rivers Provincial Park as on the surrounding land within this fire management zone (OMNR 2004b)

10 6 Whenever feasible, MNR s Forest Fire Management program will use techniques which do not cause undue damage to the landscape, such as limiting the use of heavy equipment or limiting the number of trees felled during response efforts (OMNR 2004b) Wildlife Management The park is located within Wildlife Management Unit 48. The removal or harassment of non-game animals is not permitted in the park (Provincial Parks Act). Hunting Sport hunting is permitted to continue within Jocko Rivers Provincial Park. Safety considerations and conservation issues with respect to hunting may be considered during management planning, which includes public consultation (OMNR 2000). Any hunting activity that occurs within the park is subject to the regulations under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, as well as the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Harvesting bullfrogs and snapping turtles is illegal in provincial parks (OMNR 2005c). Bear Management Areas There are four bear management areas (BMAs) allocated for use which overlie the park boundary (Figure 3). Existing commercial bear hunting operations are permitted to continue. New BMA licences will not be permitted (OMNR 2003). This activity may be subject to conditions identified during future management planning (e.g. the designation of nature reserve zones). Trapping There are seven trap line areas and five associated trap cabins within the park (Figure 4). The relocation of existing trails and cabins may be subject to ecological principles and future park management planning (OMNR 2000). Existing commercial fur harvesting operations are permitted to continue. This activity may be subject to conditions identified during future management planning (e.g. the designation of nature reserve zones). New operations, including trap cabins and trails, will not be permitted (OMNR 2000). Existing use is defined as use that is supported by an active license, permit or other formal authorization. If this authorization lapses the activity is no longer considered an existing use (OMNR 2000). Transfers of active trap line licenses are permitted, subject to a review of potential impacts and the normal transfer or renewal conditions that apply Industrial Resources Extraction of sand and gravel is not permitted (OMNR 1992). There are no active aggregate pits within the park. An active MTO aggregate pit is adjacent to the park in Jocko Township. Mineral exploration and extraction are not permitted within provincial parks (OMNR 1992). There are no existing mining claims within the park. All lands within the park boundary have been withdrawn under the authority of the Mining Act (1990) Access and Crossings Access Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is accessible by land, water and air. Highway 63 crosses Little Jocko and Jocko rivers in Jocko Township. Several secondary and tertiary roads offer access to other areas of the park and to LUPs within and beyond the park. Roads that provide access to LUPs within the park will continue to be available for access. The Ontario Northland Railway (ONR) line provides access to the Osborne Township Peatland Natural Heritage Area in the park. 1 Transfers include situations where a license is surrendered with a request that it be immediately reissued to another individual or organization that is assuming an existing operation. Trap cabins are considered part of a trapline and would be transferred with the trapline for the purposes of trapping. If a trapline license is revoked or surrendered, all portions of the registered line within the park will be rescinded from the legal description of the trap line (OMNR 2001).

11 7 Figure 3: Bear Management Areas

12 8 Figure 4: Trap Line Areas

13 9 The hydro and pipeline corridors also provide access to some areas of the park in Osborne, Lockhart and Clarkson townships. The snowmobile trail that follows the pipeline corridor allows access to the park in Lockhart and Clarkson townships. The Jocko and Little Jocko rivers are navigable by canoe and, for some portions, by boat. Aircraft landings are possible on Jocko Lake and some of the larger lakes within the park. All aircraft landings are subject to regulation and valid aircraft landing permits issued by the park superintendent under the authority of the Provincial Parks Act (1990). Roads Highway 63 crosses through the park at both the Little Jocko and Jocko rivers in Jocko Township. The highway corridor is excluded from the park boundary. A secondary road extends northwest from Highway 63 through the McConnell Lakes area to the ONR line. This road provides access to the Osborne Township Peatland Natural Heritage Area. Abandoned forest access roads occur throughout the park area. These roads provide access to a large part of the Little Jocko River and to several LUPs located within the park. Where existing roads are essential for access beyond the park for forest management or recreation purposes, and alternative road access does not exist or road relocation is not feasible, existing roads will continue to be available for access (OMNR 2004a). Where other existing roads are essential for continued access to in-holdings (e.g. LUPs, patent land) within or beyond the park boundary, and alternative road access does not exist, or road relocation is not feasible, existing roads will continue to be available for access. Continued use of existing roads will include maintenance and may include future upgrading (OMNR 2004). Ontario Parks is not responsible for maintaining or upgrading any existing roads within the park boundary. Any proposed development, maintenance or upgrading is subject to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. Crossing of waterway parks by new roads may be necessary. The number of crossings will be minimized where possible and they will be managed to reduce their impact on recreational and aesthetic values. Any future road crossings proposed through the park, where park lands are unavoidable, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Protection of park features and values will be priority and all requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act will be met. Railway The ONR line travels along the western boundary of the park in Osborne Township. The railway corridor is excluded from the park boundary. Utility Corridors A Trans Canada Pipelines natural gas pipeline crosses the park in Clarkson and Lockhart townships. This high pressure pipeline has a fifteen metre easement through the park. This easement is not excluded from the park boundary. A hydro line corridor (Hydro One) crosses the park in Osborne and LaSalle townships. The corridor of this utility line is not excluded from the park boundary. This corridor is managed through a province-wide LUP issued to Hydro One. Maintenance of existing corridors will be permitted. These activities will adhere to the regulations set out under the relevant acts such as the Environmental Assessment Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1990) and the Pesticides Act (1999). Maintenance activities shall not impact negatively on park values. All public utilities (e.g. gas pipelines, transmission lines, communications towers) must avoid park lands wherever possible, however new utility corridor crossings may be necessary to maintain essential public services (OMNR 2004). Any future utility corridors proposed through the park, where park lands are unavoidable, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

14 10 Protection of park features and values will be priority and all requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act will be met. Recreational Trails Canoe Routes: The Jocko River system is an established canoe route with both the Jocko and Little Jocko rivers navigable by canoe. Main access is by Highway 63 which crosses both rivers. Rail access is possible along the west side of the park. Snowmobile Trails: An OFSC connector trail crosses the park in Lockhart and Clarkson townships along the pipeline corridor. This trail is maintained by a local snowmobile club, the Near North Trail Association. ATV Trails: Unauthorized ATV occurs along tertiary roads in the northern end of the park west of Sucker Lake, as well as along the hydro line corridor in Osborne and LaSalle townships. Unauthorized ATV use also occurs near Smoky Lake as well as on park lands west of the confluence of the Little Jocko and Jocko rivers. Hiking Trails: There are no designated hiking trails in the park Adjacent Land Management Forestry The Crown land adjacent to Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is allocated to the Nipissing Forest. This forest management unit is currently managed by Nipissing Forest Resources Management Incorporated. Provincial Parks Upper Ottawa Provincial Park (P131): This park includes shoreline of the Ottawa River north of Mattawa to Parkman Township. The park includes numerous recreational and scenic features and values. Forest Reserves Forest reserves are areas which protect natural heritage and special landscapes, but where some resource may occur with appropriate conditions. The intent is for these lands to be added to the park land base when claims or leases are retired through normal processes. Policies for forest reserves are similar to those for new conservation reserves (CRs) except that mining and related activities are permitted. Commercial forest harvest, peat extraction and new hydroelectric power development are not permitted. Most other resource and recreation uses will be permitted, provided they are consistent with the protection of area features and values (OMNR 1999). Enhanced Management Areas Garrow Township Ice Contact Delta (E330n): This EMA along the north boundary of the park is of earth science significance and contains an abandoned delta fed by an esker complex. The delta was formed in an ancient glacial lake and is now perched high in the hills. Kettles, large depressions in the gravely deposits that once held massive blocks of ice are now boggy wetlands within this area. Marten River (E154r): This EMA located to the west of the park is an important tourism, recreation and resource area. The area contains extensive glacial deposits, several glaciofluvial kames, a moraine as well as sand and gravel. The Nipissing Crown Game Preserve makes up almost half of this enhanced management area. Little Jocko Ice Contact Delta (E143n): This EMA abuts to theparks south boundary along the Little Jocko River. This area contains a kettled esker delta which provides a relatively undisturbed representation of glaciofluvial and lacustrine land forms. A variety of deposits are found here, including sandy outwash, organic, alluvial and aeolian. The delta has been partially eroded by the river which distributed materials downstream, creating a system of beaches and dunes. McConnell Lakes Recreation Area (E122r): This area incorporates the core recreation and tourism zones of the McConnell Lakes Recreation Area. The area supports high quality backcountry recreational activities such as fishing, camping and hunting. The area contains natural heritage features and high quality forest resources. McConnell Lakes Intervening Area (E135n): This EMA is located in McAuslan Township. This portion of the McConnell Lakes Moraine provides a linkage between three

15 11 conservation reserves that are part of the larger landform/vegetation complex of the McConnell Lakes Moraine. The three CRs are: God s Lake Old Growth White Pine Forest, Spring/Cut Lake Esker and Blue Lake End Moraine. General Use Areas There are two general use areas adjacent to the park. The McConnell Lake Area (G1934) is a 23,642 hectare area with the land use intent being primarily resource extraction with recreational activities such as hunting, fishing and wilderness camping as secondary uses. The Jocko River General Use Area is 120,412 hectares with the land use intent being primary use being resource production and extraction. Wildlife and fisheries management are important secondary uses (e.g. moose range and deer yard habitat improvement, fish stocking). Conservation Reserves Blue Lake End Moraine (C138): This CR is located at the east end of McConnell Lake. It consists of a moderately broken end moraine with several large shallow lakes and several kettle depressions Land Disposition No new land disposition for private use by individuals or corporations will be permitted (OMNR 1992; 2000a). Land Use Permits, Licenses of Occupation, Unauthorized Occupations There are seven LUPs issued for private recreation camp use within the boundary of Jocko Rivers Provincial Park (Figure 2). Existing authorized LUPs for recreation camps may be eligible for enhanced tenure but not the purchase of land. Recreational camp LUPs cannot be changed to commercial land use permits unless this is supported during a review as part of park management planning. Enhanced tenure, is defined as a possible extension of the term of the land use permit for recreation camps up to 10 years or upgrade in tenure (i.e. land use permit to lease) (OMNR 2000a). enhanced tenure, or to transfer recreation camps, will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: 1. Continued compliance with the conditions of the land use permit for recreation camps. 2. Current land disposition policies for land use permits 3. Consistency with park objectives to sustain values no effects on heritage values and/or conflict with other uses 4. Consistency with Aboriginal land claim negotiations or protocol agreements 5. All rents, taxes, fees, rates or charges are paid and in good standing An extension in the term of tenure for an existing private recreation camp LUP does not convey a commitment to provide for a change in the type or standard of existing access to the private recreation camp. An existing private recreation camp LUP holder can relinquish their LUP. The LUP holder is responsible to have existing improvements removed including, but not limited to, the sale of any existing improvements. The MNR may consider purchasing the improvements. The hydro line that travels through the park is managed by a province-wide LUP issued to Hydro One. Patent Land Two parcels of patent land lie adjacent to the park boundary. These include one on the far western border adjacent to wetlands off Jocko River and the second on the far eastern boundary where the river flows into this parcel of patent land. There is one parcel of patent land on the upstream portion of Jocko Lake surrounded by the boundary of Jocko River Provincial Park. Private land is not included within the park boundary and park policy does not apply to these areas. Enhanced tenure for an LUP for a recreation camp is not guaranteed. Requests for

16 12 Waste Disposal Site There are no authorized waste disposal sites in Jocko River Provincial Park or on the adjacent lands. Boat Caches There are no authorized boat caches within the park. Boats are not permitted to be left unattended in the park without written permission from the superintendent under the authority of the Provincial Parks Act. 5.2 Aquatic Ecosystems Sustaining quality water resources is integral to the protection of park and adjacent lands features and values. The MOE enforces applicable legislation and regulations for water quality Water Management There are no existing water control structures within the park. No new commercial hydroelectric developments are permitted (OMNR 2004) Fisheries Management The waters of the park are coldwater fisheries with self-sustaining trout populations (Kershaw 2002). Fisheries management will complement the maintenance and enhancement of native, self-sustaining fish populations. Non-native fish species will not deliberately be introduced into park waters (OMNR 1992). Sport Fishing Sport fishing is permitted within waterway class parks and is governed by the legislation and regulations in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Fisheries Act. The Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary (OMNR 2005) contains details on regulations that are applicable to this area. Commercial Fishing There are no commercial fishing operations within the boundary of Jocko Rivers Provincial Park. New operations will not be permitted (OMNR 2004a). Commercial Baitfish Harvesting The following townships are allocated for commercial baitfish harvesting: LaSalle (NB1008), McAuslan east (NB1009), McAuslan west (NB1010), Osborne (NB1109), Garrow (NB1110), Clarkson (NB1111), Lockhart (NB1213), Jocko (NB1214) and Eddy (NB1215) townships (Figure 5). Commercial bait harvesting will be permitted to continue indefinitely in the park subject to possible conditions identified in a fisheries management plan, or through future park management planning. New baitfish licenses will not be issued within park boundaries (OMNR 2004a). Fish Stocking The stocking of native fish species may be considered through park management planning, with full public consultation. The stocking of non-native fish species will not be considered (OMNR 2004a). 6.0 OPERATIONS POLICIES 6.1 Recreation Management Future planning, with full public consultation, will review direction on motorized and nonmotorized recreation uses Motorized Recreation Motorboats Existing use may continue, unless park features and values are threatened (OMNR 2004). Long-term management direction for private and commercial boat use will be determined through park management planning (OMNR 2004). Snowmobiles Snowmobile use on established routes along the existing utility corridors may continue subject to prescriptions which may be determined through management planning. Proposals for new trails may only be considered through future planning with public consultation (OMNR 2000).

17 13 Figure 5: Commercial Baitfish Blocks

18 14 Off-trail snowmobile use is prohibited unless authorized by the superintendent under the authority the Provincial Parks Act and consistent with provincial park policy. All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) There are no authorized all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails within the park. Proposals for new ATV trails may only be considered through future planning, with public consultation (OMNR 2000). Off-road use of ATVs is prohibited unless authorized by the superintendent under the authority the Provincial Parks Act and consistent with provincial park policy. Aircraft Aircraft landings are permitted in this waterway park (OMNR 2004). All aircraft landings are subject to regulation and valid aircraft landing permits issued by the park superintendent under the authority of the Provincial Parks Act (1990) Non-Motorized Recreation Camping There are several existing backcountry campsites within Jocko Rivers Provincial Park. Any existing backcountry use is permitted to continue unless park values are being threatened (OMNR 2004). Limited backcountry camping facilities may be developed if there is an identified need. Infrastructure to protect the park features and values will be permitted and developed in response to use, environmental deterioration and environmental protection requirements. Any proposed development within the park is subject to MNR s Environmental Assessment requirements. Hiking There are no authorized hiking trails within the park. Unauthorized hiking trails or other nonmechanized trails which are documented may be permitted to continue unless such trails threaten park features and values, create user conflicts or raise safety issues. If there is an identified need, the development of new hiking trails may be considered. Trail infrastructure to protect park values and features will be permitted. Any proposed development within the park is subject to MNR s Environmental Assessment requirements. Canoeing/Kayaking Existing uses may continue, unless park values are threatened (OMNR 2004). Infrastructure to protect park features and values may be permitted and developed in response to use, environmental deterioration and environmental protection requirements Emerging Recreational Uses There are emerging recreational uses for which there is limited or no policy to deal with their management (e.g. adventure racing, geocaching). The park superintendent will use legislation, policy and guidelines that are in place in the interim to manage emerging uses. 6.2 Development There is no existing park infrastructure within the park. Infrastructure to protect park features and values may be permitted and developed in response to use, environmental deterioration and environmental protection requirements. Any proposed development within the park is subject to MNR s requirements under the Environmental Assessment Act. 6.3 Commercial Tourism Infrastructure for commercial tourism does not exist within this provincial park. New commercial tourism facilities may be considered where consistent with park policy (OMNR 2004). Any development must meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. 7.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES An assessment of the cultural resources of Jocko Rivers Provincial Park has not been completed at this time. Management of any cultural features and values within this park

19 15 will be directed toward protection and heritage appreciation (OMNR 1992). 8.0 HERITAGE EDUCATION Literature and other supporting information may be developed to describe the park in the context of Ontario s provincial park system. Boundary limits, significant heritage features and permitted uses of the waterway park may be included in park literature. Prospective park visitors may be informed about the sensitivity and significance of park values through park literature. 9.0 RESEARCH Scientific research by qualified individuals that contributes to the knowledge of natural or cultural history, or to environmental or recreational management, may be encouraged in the park. Ontario Parks will encourage institutions to undertake research projects. All research programs will require the approval of Ontario Parks and are subject to park policy and other applicable legislation. Ontario Parks may approve the research of any natural or cultural features and values by qualified researchers. Any materials removed will remain the property of Ontario Parks. Approved research activities and facilities will be compatible with the park s protection objective. Any site which is affected by research will be rehabilitated as closely as possible to its original state. Environmental assessment requirements will apply.

20 REFERENCES Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Ecological Services for Planning (ESP), Gap Analysis and Candidate Area Selection for Life Science Representation in Site District 5E-6. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Environmental Assessment Act, Fisheries Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Frey, E. and D. Duba, P140 Jocko Rivers Provincial Park. (Draft Earth Science Checksheet) Kershaw, W., Recreation Assessment Jocko Rivers Provincial Park Inventory Report Version 1.5. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Migratory Birds Convention Act, Mining Act, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Provincial Park Policy as Amended by the Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Directions for Commercial Resource Use Activities in Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. 5 pp. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2004a. Crown Land Use Policy Atlas. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2004b. Fire Management Strategy for Ontario. Aviation and Fire Management Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2005a. A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. Morris, E., Natural Heritage Area Life Science Checksheet Jocko River Provincial Park (OLL P140). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 20054b. Hunting Regulations Summary. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2005c. Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, A Topical Organization of Ontario History. Historic Sites Branch Division of Parks. Pesticides Act, Provincial Parks Act, 1990.

21 17 APPENDIX A: BACKGROUND INFORMATION Name Jocko Rivers Provincial Park (P140) Classification Waterway Ecoregion/Ecodistrict 5E-6 (Tomiko) OMNR Administrative Region/District Northeast North Bay Total Area (ha) 11,299 Regulation date & Number June 2003 (O. Reg. 210/03) REPRESENTATION EARTH SCIENCE: The bedrock of Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is within the Tomiko Terrane of the Central Gneiss Belt, in the northwest part of the Ontario Grenville Province. The Quaternary geology of the park is Late Wisconsinan in age. LIFE SCIENCE: Jocko Rivers Provincial Park is located within Ecodistrict 5E-6. The park includes portions of three natural heritage areas: Osborne Township Patterned Peatland, Little Jocko Wetlands and Banana Lake White Birch. The park is diverse in its biological representation and includes a wide variety of upland, lowland, and wetland ecosites. The park provides an ecological connection between the Nipissing Crown Game Preserve, Spring/Cut Lake Esker Conservation Reserve, Blue Lake End Moraine Conservation Reserve, several Enhanced Management Areas, and the Ottawa River. CULTURAL RESOURCES: An investigation into the park s cultural resources has not been completed at this time. RECREATION: Approximately 110 kilometres of waterway are protected in Jocko Rivers Provincial Park. This allows for several water oriented recreation activities (e.g. canoeing, boating, fishing) to be supported within this park. Camping occurs within the park and is usually associated with canoe travel on the Little Jocko and Jocko rivers. There is a picnic area, managed by the Ministry of Transportation, located along Highway 63. This picnic area is adjacent to the park boundary where the highway crosses the Little Jocko River. Snowmobiling and ATV travel, hunting and general nature appreciation activities also occur within the park. INVENTORIES Survey Level Earth Science Life Science Cultural Recreational Reconnaissance E. Frey & D. Duba, 2002 E. Morris, 2001; ESP, 1996 W. Kershaw, 2002